South Korea Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This South Korea customs guide supports individuals and families planning international moving, overseas relocation or import of household goods into South Korea. Customs clearance is regulated by the Korea Customs Service and requires strict documentation and inventory accuracy.

Home To Home Relocations supports clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to South Korea, including export packing, ocean and air freight coordination, customs assistance and destination delivery in Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu, Suwon and other locations.

1. Moving to South Korea – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Duty-Free Import of Household Goods

South Korea permits the duty-free import of used household goods for returning residents and foreign nationals relocating to Korea if:

You possess a long-term visa or alien registration card
Goods are used and owned prior to move
All shipments arrive within 6 months of your arrival in Korea
Items are for personal use and not intended for resale

Important: New items, high-value goods and luxury products such as designer handbags or electronics may incur duties regardless of residency status.

1.2 Personal Effects vs Commercial Goods

Personal household effects may qualify for duty relief. Commercial items, especially those shipped in bulk, require import licenses and are subject to full customs duties and taxes.

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

Copy of passport
Alien Registration Card (ARC) or long-term visa
Bill of lading / air waybill
Detailed packing list
Customs declaration forms
Korean contact address and phone number

2.2 Inventory Requirements

Provide clear item details—avoid vague descriptions
List electronics with brand, model and serial numbers
Highlight new or unused goods for tax review
Provide receipts for luxury or branded items when available

H-H Relocations Tip: Clothing, books and used furniture clear quickly. Electronics and luxury goods are inspected more often—pack these separately.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles into South Korea

3.1 Vehicle Import Rules

Vehicles can be imported into South Korea but must meet Korean emission and environmental standards. Duties, taxes and certification costs can be significant.

Vehicles must comply with Korean safety and emissions testing
Left-hand drive vehicles are acceptable
Luxury vehicles attract higher duties

3.2 Required Vehicle Documentation

Original registration and title documents
Bill of lading
Insurance and owner’s ID
Emission and safety compliance certificates (if applicable)

Important: Importing vehicles is expensive. Duties, consumption tax and education tax may apply. Most expatriates buy locally after arrival.

4. Bringing Pets to South Korea

Pets may be imported into Korea subject to veterinary checks and quarantine rules. Dogs and cats are commonly permitted with appropriate documentation.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

ISO-compatible microchip
Veterinary health certificate
Rabies vaccination and serology test (FAVN) may be required
Quarantine inspection on arrival

Pet Travel Tip: Korea requires a rabies antibody titer test for pets from certain countries. Begin paperwork 3–4 months before travel.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Goods

5.1 Alcohol

South Korea allows the import of limited quantities of alcohol for personal use. Amounts exceeding the duty-free allowance are subject to customs duties and consumption tax. Declare all alcohol upon arrival.

5.2 Tobacco

Tobacco imports for personal use are permitted within duty-free thresholds. Larger volumes may incur duties and require additional declarations.

5.3 Food & Animal-Origin Products

South Korea enforces strict controls on food and agricultural imports:

Meat and dairy products require quarantine and may be prohibited
Plant-based items may require phytosanitary certificates
Non-compliant food can be seized or destroyed

5.4 Medicines, Chemicals & Controlled Goods

Prescription medicines may require documentation and approvals
Chemicals, lab equipment and hazardous materials are regulated
Weapons, replicas and military-grade equipment require permits

Important: South Korea conducts random inspections. Always declare controlled items to avoid penalties.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to South Korea

South Korea prohibits the import of the following items:

Narcotics, illegal drugs and related paraphernalia
Weapons, explosives and military equipment without authorization
Counterfeit money, illegal copies of branded goods and pirated media
Obscene publications or materials violating public morals
Endangered wildlife products without CITES documentation
Hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials

Attempting to import prohibited items may result in seizure, fines or criminal prosecution.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to South Korea

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

To ensure a seamless international move from Toronto to South Korea, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Secure long-term visa and Alien Registration Card early
Prepare detailed inventories with serial numbers for electronics
Avoid shipping excessive quantities of luxury goods
Check housing availability before finalizing shipping dates

7.2 Why choose a South Korea relocation specialist

Customs rules in Korea are manageable when documentation is precise. Working with a professional international moving company ensures:

Accurate customs declarations
Reduced clearance delays and inspections
Door-to-door delivery and installation support
Assistance with vehicles, pets and specialized cargo

Relocation Tip: Electronics and branded goods are the most scrutinized items. Pack these separately and keep receipts ready to reduce clearance time.

8. Useful Official Links – South Korea

Access the latest official customs regulations here:

This guide provides general information for planning a move to South Korea. Final decisions rest with Korean customs and other authorities.